Car Reviews

First impressions: The 2026 Mitsubishi XForce GLX is the base variant we needed from the start

It has an introductory price of P1.049 million
Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT
PHOTO: Lije Martin
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Is this the new XForce that was launched at PIMS 2026?

Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT

Yes, this is the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT, to be exact. It’s Mitsubishi’s new base variant for the XForce, and it’s significantly more affordable than the model’s initial entry price when it was introduced two years ago. 

The XForce GLX stickers for P1,119,000, but currently, it’s being offered at an introductory price of P1,049,000. Compared to the GLS variant’s price of P1,367,000 when it was first launched, that’s more than a P200,000 difference—pretty huge for this segment.

Cool. What does it have?

Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT

At first glance, you’ll notice that the GLX has the same sporty styling as its higher-spec siblings. It features Mitsubishi’s next-generation Dynamic Shield design language on the front fascia, while the rest of the exterior still boasts sharp lines and edges. It does have black bumper trim as opposed to the body-colored lower bumpers on the GLS and the GT, but it makes up for it with a Red Metallic colorway exclusive to this variant.

The GLX also gets the same powertrain as the rest of the range: a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine delivering 103hp and 140Nm of torque via a continuously variable transmission. As for fuel economy, based on our review of the GT variant with the same engine, the crossover achieved 17km/L on the expressway and 9.4km/L in heavy traffic.

Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT

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At that price, some features had to go, right?

Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT

Understandably, yes. A few things had to be removed for Mitsubishi to achieve the GLX’s starting price. These include the four selectable drive modes, the Yamaha sound system, the wireless charger, the leather seats, and the digital instrument panel.

The GLX has also scaled down the 12.3-inch touchscreen display to eight inches, but it still gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, albeit via a wired connection. The 17-inch alloy wheels are smaller, too, versus the 18-inch alloys on the higher variants.

That sounds like a lot. Does it feel too basic now?

Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT

Not at all. It may seem like a lot has been removed on paper, especially if you compare it with the top-of-the-line GT variant with a 360-degree camera and a full suite of Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing (MMSS) advanced driver-assist systems, but again, the GT variant also costs P600,000 more than the GLX.

For its price, the GLX might not have selectable drive modes, but it still gets Active Yaw Control (AYC) that inspires confidence through corners. It also has a rear park camera, automatic windshield wipers, USB-A and USB-C charging ports for front and rear occupants, reclinable backseats, and a driver’s knee A/C vent that’s incredibly useful in the summer. 

With this variant’s demographic, they’ll probably be looking at the XForce for its ground clearance, spacious interior, and basic passenger comfort rather than all-out features. A panoramic sunroof would be nice, but is it really a necessity? 

Fair point. What’s it like to drive?

Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT

The GLX shares similar driving characteristics with the higher variants; it isn’t a different model, after all. The engine is still more suited to urban driving, with power just enough to complete overtaking maneuvers with no problem. That isn’t to say this crossover won’t perform well out of town, but expect to be heavier on the gas pedal when overtaking on inclined mountain roads.

The seating position is high in this crossover; it almost felt like sitting in a bigger SUV. The suspension is well-balanced, with the 17-inch wheels and higher-profile tires helping dampen road imperfections. The turning radius is excellent—a plus in busy U-turn sections and tight residential areas. Meanwhile, NVH levels are just okay. 

Overall thoughts?

Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT

The Mitsubishi XForce GLX gives the model a better entry point for consumers. It’s decently spec’d with a competitive price, and it makes me wonder how much better the model would perform in sales if Mitsubishi had introduced this variant from the very start. 

The GLX has what most small Filipino families want in a subcompact crossover: a spacious interior with good cargo space, a high-enough ground clearance to deal with most road imperfections, great maneuverability thanks to a tight turning radius, and a brand that has a strong reputation for reliability in the country. 

Things like fuel economy could be improved, especially when compared to other brands that offer electrified subcompact crossovers. But again, this price makes the entire package more competitive. Besides, maybe Mitsubishi Motors Philippines has other things planned for the nameplate in the future. Perhaps the XForce HEV that’s sold in Thailand? Our fingers are still crossed. 

Watch: 2026 Mitsubishi XForce GLX first look

More photos of the 2026 Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT:

Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT

Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT

Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT

Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT

Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT

Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT

Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT

Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT

Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT

Photo of the Mitsubishi XForce GLX CVT

See Also

PHOTO: Lije Martin
  • TGP Rating:
    /20

    Starts at ₱

    TGP Rating:
    /20
    Starts at ₱